KLASSEN - John S. Klassen, age 81, of Herbert, SK, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Thursday, June 23, 2011, at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, after a short illness. John was the eleventh and youngest child born to John K. & Marie Klassen on their farm north west of Rush Lake, SK on February 25, 1930. His father died when John was 3 and a half years old, and five years later his mother remarried to John I. Guenther from Beechy, SK, and added another 9 children to the family. He got his education at East Butte School in Beechy, Swan Lake School in Rush Lake, and his grade 8 at the Greenfarm School, after his family moved there. Later he attended Herbert Bible School for 2 years where he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. He was baptized the next year and became a member of the Greenfarm Church. For several years John work at various jobs throughout Saskatchewan. As a young person he was very shy and quiet, but in 1951, a brave girl in church started to talk to him. He fell in love and married Elizabeth Voth in 1954. They lived on the family farm at Greenfarm and were blessed with 3 children: Josie, Carl and Charlene. They attended the Greenfarm Church until 1962, when it closed. At that time they joined the Herbert MB Church. Throughout his life he enjoyed serving the Lord by singing in choirs and quartets, working on church committees, being a young people’s leader, being usher at church, and sang in a group at the manor and the Nursing Home. He loved music and often broke into songs, jingles and poems that he learned in his school years. They moved to Herbert in 1968. There he worked for 24 years at the Herbert Co-op driving the fuel truck until he retired in 1992. He considered his customers his friends, and particularly loved visiting with the children. After retirement he enjoyed gardening with Liz, traveling to visit relatives, and helping his son and son-in-law on their farms. Throughout his life, wherever he went, new acquaintances quickly became friends. He felt everyone was important and was concerned about where they stood spiritually. His grandchildren were the apples of his eye. Anyone entering his home were shown his “Wall of Fame” – pictures of the grandchildren. He prayed for each of them everyday. The love of his life, Elizabeth, passed away in August of 2007, and he missed her very much. He will be greatly missed by his family: Josie (Danny) Caputo of Portland, OR, Jason (Becky) Caputo and their children Samuel, Hannah and Joel, Adam (Katie) Caputo and Joanne (Jared) Herr: Carl (Marjorie) Klassen of Glenbush, SK, Rachel (Ryan) Wiebe, Eric Klassen, Jennifer Klassen and Hillary Klassen: Charlene (Murray) Martens of Herbert, SK, Bryce Martens, Dale Martens and Chelsea (Daniel) Leiva; and by numerous brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and friends. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 2:00 pm from the Mennonite Brethren Church, Herbert, SK with Pastor Gary MacKay officiating. The pianist for the service was Marjorie Klassen. “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” and “When We All Get to Heaven“ were sung by the congregation under the direction of Anissa Forest. Special Music was brought by Pete & Leona Braun, singing “My Latest Sun is Sinking Fast”. The obituary was read by Eric Klassen. The Grandchildren’s Memories were shared by Dale Martens & Hillary Klassen, along with a video tribute of the song “It is Well” by Joanne Caputo. The Family paid Tribute by singing “Trust and Obey” and was followed by a powerpoint tribute. The Interment was held at the Herbert Cemetery prior to the Funeral Service with the following serving as pallbearers, Bryce Martens, Dale Martens, Daniel Leiva, Ryan Wiebe, Eric Klassen, and Carl Klassen. A Luncheon followed the Funeral Service in the Church lower auditorium. In memory of John Klassen, donations made to Westbank Bible Camp or Bethany College would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.